My family and I will be participating in Walk4Hearing for the first time this year as part of the Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) Alliance team. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Walk4Hearing increases awareness about hearing loss, helps to eradicate the stigma associated with it and raises funds to provide information and support for people with hearing loss. Since 2006, the Walk4Hearing has raised more than $9 million and has become the largest walk for hearing taking place in cities across the United States. I am so proud to support these two great organizations, both of which are working tirelessly to improve the lives of those living with hearing loss.
Why I Walk4Hearing?
1. Raise Awareness: More than 50 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, including 1 in 5 teens and 60% of returning soldiers, yet it is not top of mind as an important health issue.
2. Break The Stigma: Unlike many disabilities, hearing loss is often stigmatized such that people do not always seek the help they need. By walking, my family and I will show we are not ashamed of my hearing loss. We hope others will be inspired to accept and treat their hearing loss.
3. Build Community: Participating in events with others who have hearing loss helps build a supportive community for all of us. I have found the hearing loss friends I have made through my HLAA activities to be a great comfort. I hope others will find the same.
4. Raise Funds: Our Alliance team will raise funds for two great organizations, each doing important work to help people with hearing loss. To visit our Alliance team page, click here.
HLAA: The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. Its mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support, and advocacy.
HEARING HEALTH FOUNDATION: Since 1958, Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) has been the largest private funder of hearing and balance research. Fifty years ago, restoring hearing seemed like a dream. Since then, HHF funded research has led to the development of cochlear implants and to many of today’s other standard treatments. Today, HHF funded researchers are working on another dream – the biological cure for hearing loss and tinnitus for the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from these conditions.
Readers, do you Walk4Hearing in your local market?
I have been a part of the Walk for the past 3 years. Very rewarding and I feel that I have really helped to raise awareness (and funds) within my local community, my family, my Facebook connections and at work. Good luck! Shari
That is great! I am really looking forward to the upcoming walk!